Psychophant's Rants
7.10.09
Looking for Joy
As it has become my custom this time of the year, I have prepared a compilation to send to a friend for her birthday, and to present here. The holidays are a good moment to build a compilation on my mind, and then fill the holes and file the edges. But this year I had the problem that I had two main tracks running, with happy songs on one side, and sad ones on the other. And though I felt the blues would suit better, the right thing would be to inject some extra joy. The search for the Magi that played a big role in the first half of the holidays also made me reflect that what the Magi hoped to find following the star, and what we did looking for them was to search for joy.
Some songs were already settled in, partly due to past history, partly because I can see her smiling when she hears the opening bars. In general these are songs that make me smile, make me shuffle my feet (or pump my fist), or usually both. There are a couple that are a private joke that I hope that comes across. I can only say that it does improve my mood. Most are not what you would call "happy", but they have that effect on me. I hope they work the same way with others.
1. I’m sticking with you – The Velvet Underground.
I think it is good to start with a declaration of first principles. And it makes me feel young and hopeful, rather than young and foolish.
2. 99 red balloons – The Sugarcubes
This one belongs to the young and foolish part, but the irony that Björk brings to such a song makes it so much better.
3. Wuthering heights – Kate Bush
If only to remember a night in London not so long ago. Or just because the song itself is so much over the top.
4. Friday, I’m in love – The Cure
This is one of those songs that have a lot of meaning for old geezers born in the sixties. And I leave it at that. Uplifting, nevertheless.
5. Might makes right – Camper Van Beethoven
The modern world, condensed. And you need to be able to apply humour to the news.
6. Mondo Bongo - Joe Strummer & the Mescaleros
I like the improvised appearance and the world weary meaning. Just fits with the previous one to fill the picture.
7. Holiday – Green Day
Here we get to the fist pumping, and the simple fun of a fast track, some truths to agree with and someone singing about them.
8. Bam Thwok – The Pixies
I just could not take a compilation of joy without fifty thousand watts of goodwill. It also helps to move from the songs with message like the previous song.
9. A message to you, Rudy – The Specials
I wanted some ska, because it gets the right mood. Choosing a particular song was more difficult.
10. Giles Farnaby’s Dream – The Penguin Cafe Orchestra
I am very fond of this song, a Baroque piece reinvented as a Mexican corrido. Guaranteed mood lift.
11. Zorba’s dance – Mikis Theodorakis
There is something in this song that makes me raise my arms and try to follow Zorba, with an idiot grin in my face.
12. Din din wo (Little child) – Habib Koité
Generally I do not like songs where I do not understand the words, but Habib Koité is one of the exceptions, if only because he transmits feelings so well.
13. Old – Paul Simon
Some years ago this became my default birthday song. Probably because I do feel old. It helps to keep the perspective.
14. Amsterdam - Ute Lemper
This is both an accurate and tongue in cheek picture of the people in almost any port. Brel's mastery of lyrics is incredible.
15. Cheek to cheek - Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong
A simple, happy song to close down, sung by a lovely couple that really give off "nice" vibrations. The simple joys last the longest.
I would like to thank M for giving me a reason to build this, Stephen, even if he will probably never see this, for expanding my musical landscape, and to everybody that liked my compilations and took the time to tell me so. As usual, if you want a copy, just drop me a line.
¶ 10:59 AM
As it has become my custom this time of the year, I have prepared a compilation to send to a friend for her birthday, and to present here. The holidays are a good moment to build a compilation on my mind, and then fill the holes and file the edges. But this year I had the problem that I had two main tracks running, with happy songs on one side, and sad ones on the other. And though I felt the blues would suit better, the right thing would be to inject some extra joy. The search for the Magi that played a big role in the first half of the holidays also made me reflect that what the Magi hoped to find following the star, and what we did looking for them was to search for joy.
Some songs were already settled in, partly due to past history, partly because I can see her smiling when she hears the opening bars. In general these are songs that make me smile, make me shuffle my feet (or pump my fist), or usually both. There are a couple that are a private joke that I hope that comes across. I can only say that it does improve my mood. Most are not what you would call "happy", but they have that effect on me. I hope they work the same way with others.
1. I’m sticking with you – The Velvet Underground.
I think it is good to start with a declaration of first principles. And it makes me feel young and hopeful, rather than young and foolish.
2. 99 red balloons – The Sugarcubes
This one belongs to the young and foolish part, but the irony that Björk brings to such a song makes it so much better.
3. Wuthering heights – Kate Bush
If only to remember a night in London not so long ago. Or just because the song itself is so much over the top.
4. Friday, I’m in love – The Cure
This is one of those songs that have a lot of meaning for old geezers born in the sixties. And I leave it at that. Uplifting, nevertheless.
5. Might makes right – Camper Van Beethoven
The modern world, condensed. And you need to be able to apply humour to the news.
6. Mondo Bongo - Joe Strummer & the Mescaleros
I like the improvised appearance and the world weary meaning. Just fits with the previous one to fill the picture.
7. Holiday – Green Day
Here we get to the fist pumping, and the simple fun of a fast track, some truths to agree with and someone singing about them.
8. Bam Thwok – The Pixies
I just could not take a compilation of joy without fifty thousand watts of goodwill. It also helps to move from the songs with message like the previous song.
9. A message to you, Rudy – The Specials
I wanted some ska, because it gets the right mood. Choosing a particular song was more difficult.
10. Giles Farnaby’s Dream – The Penguin Cafe Orchestra
I am very fond of this song, a Baroque piece reinvented as a Mexican corrido. Guaranteed mood lift.
11. Zorba’s dance – Mikis Theodorakis
There is something in this song that makes me raise my arms and try to follow Zorba, with an idiot grin in my face.
12. Din din wo (Little child) – Habib Koité
Generally I do not like songs where I do not understand the words, but Habib Koité is one of the exceptions, if only because he transmits feelings so well.
13. Old – Paul Simon
Some years ago this became my default birthday song. Probably because I do feel old. It helps to keep the perspective.
14. Amsterdam - Ute Lemper
This is both an accurate and tongue in cheek picture of the people in almost any port. Brel's mastery of lyrics is incredible.
15. Cheek to cheek - Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong
A simple, happy song to close down, sung by a lovely couple that really give off "nice" vibrations. The simple joys last the longest.
I would like to thank M for giving me a reason to build this, Stephen, even if he will probably never see this, for expanding my musical landscape, and to everybody that liked my compilations and took the time to tell me so. As usual, if you want a copy, just drop me a line.
¶ 10:59 AM
